Part of: Uttarakhand Current Affairs · See also: Uttarakhand GK · UKPSC syllabus
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the closing of the Lekhak Gaon International Festival 2026 on 29 October. The five-day event ran from 25 to 29 October at Lekhak Gaon, Thano, Dehradun. At the ceremony, Dhami released two publications. He also said Uttarakhand is setting up two Sahitya Grams, or literature villages. Thus, the state wants to grow as a centre of literary tourism.
Two Publications Released at the Closing
First, Dhami released the Lekhak Gaon magazine Dharti ka Swarg Uttarakhand and the booklet Devbhoomi ka Kavya Pushp. Also, Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta and former Chief Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ attended. Likewise, Lekhak Gaon Director Dr Vidushi Nishank joined the ceremony.
Dhami Remembers Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Dhami remembered Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a devoted servant of words. According to him, Vajpayee’s writing combined the firmness of mountains with the depth of the Ganga. He said, “Atal Ji taught us that words, too, can serve as powerful instruments for nation-building.” Moreover, he said writers and poets inspired the freedom struggle and the statehood movement.
Support for Writers and Two Sahitya Grams
The state honours writers with the Uttarakhand Sahitya Gaurav Samman, Sahitya Bhushan and Lifetime Achievement awards. Further, it gives grants to publish books in Hindi and local languages. Meanwhile, the two Sahitya Grams will offer residential facilities, a modern library, a seminar room and study space.
Opening by Governor Bisen on 25 October
Governor Dr Dhal Singh Bisen inaugurated the festival as Chief Guest on 25 October. Also, former Mauritius President Prithvirajsing Roopun and Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj attended. Notably, Bisen said, “literature, culture and art are powerful mediums for bringing humanity together.”
About Lekhak Gaon, Thano
Author and former Chief Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ founded Lekhak Gaon. According to Outlook Traveller, a Vajpayee remark on the lack of spaces for writers inspired it. Its 25-acre campus lies 24 km from Dehradun. Later, former President Ram Nath Kovind formally opened it in October 2024. Finally, the 2026 edition was its third international festival.
Lekhak Gaon International Festival: Key Facts for Revision
- Dates: 25–29 October 2026
- Venue: Lekhak Gaon, Thano, Dehradun
- Inaugurated by: Governor Dr Dhal Singh Bisen
- Founder: Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’
- New plan: Two Sahitya Grams with residential facilities
Why the Lekhak Gaon International Festival Matters for UKPSC
Notably, UKPSC often asks about the state’s cultural institutions and awards. So, remember the venue, the founder and the two planned Sahitya Grams. Also, link the festival with the state’s push for literary tourism. For official updates, also visit the Uttarakhand Government portal. Next, for a related story, read about Uttarakhand’s literacy milestone. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
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